Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr is announcing the agency’s Pledge America Campaign designed to dovetail with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. The announcement says that “consistent with their longstanding public interest obligations, America’s broadcasters play a key role in educating, informing, and entertaining viewers and listeners all across America, and they are particularly well suited to air programming that is responsive to the needs and interests of their local communities. The Pledge America Campaign enables broadcasters to lend their voices in support of Task Force 250 and the celebration of America’s 250th birthday by airing
patriotic, pro-America content that celebrates the American journey and inspires its citizens by highlighting the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today.” Carr adds, “On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That revolutionary document set forth our founding principles – including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness – and put America on a collision course with destiny. Over the following centuries, the American story has defined modern history and spread freedom, opportunity, and prosperity across the globe. As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, it is important to reflect on the ideals and events that have defined our past while keeping an eye towards our country’s bright future. The White House is leading our national celebration of this historic event with the Salute to America 250 Task Force, which calls on the federal government, among others, to mark this momentous occasion. As part of this effort, I am calling on broadcasters to pledge to provide programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history.” Carr shares some examples stations could use, including:
Running PSAs, short segments, or full specials specifically promoting civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history.
- Including segments during regular news programming that highlight local sites that are significant to American and regional history, such as National Park Service sites.
- Starting each broadcast day with the “Star Spangled Banner” or Pledge of Allegiance.
- Airing music by America’s greatest composers, such as John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, or George Gershwin.
- Providing daily “Today in American History” announcements highlighting significant events that took place on that day in history.
- Partnering with community organizations and other groups that are already working hard to bring America’s stories of unity, perseverance, and triumph to light.